May 6, 2020
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Today, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced all Maryland public schools will close for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year as a part of ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson issued the following statement in response:
“The COVID-19 outbreak has posed unprecedented challenges to the entire Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) community. However, the health and wellness of the thousands of students and employees I serve remain my top priority. As a result, we support every step taken by State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon to protect the well-being of all who enter our schoolhouse doors.
“Although school buildings are closed, our distance learning program will continue through the end of the 2019-20 academic year with online teaching, lessons broadcast on PGCPS-TV and enrichment learning packets. I appreciate everything each student, parent, teacher and community partner has done to keep your families healthy and safe during this time. While none of us could have predicted the school year would end this way, I am committed to finishing what we started together — PGCPS proud and PGCPS strong — as one community, one village.”
The last day for high school seniors will remain Friday, May 15. The last day of school for other students is Tuesday, June 16. The last day for teachers is Thursday, June 18. The process for retrieving items left in schools since March will depend on state social distancing guidelines and any restrictions on mass gatherings. PGCPS will continue its grab and go meals program, which now offers free breakfast, lunch and supper. An estimated half a million meals have been served since the start of this program at nearly 50 sites throughout the county. Prior to the conclusion of this school year, we will share our plans for academic enrichment over the summer and what to expect in the fall.
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